A ten-year retrospective: comparision of surgical & conservative treatment results of patients with isolated condyle fractures

Mandibular fractures are among the most common trauma injuries of the craniomaxillofacial region and traffic accidents are the primary etiological factor. Despite all the published studies, its treatment still remains controversial. The first aim in the tratment of condylar fractures is to maintain function with minimum morbidity by anatomical reduction and stabilization of fracture segments. Among treatment modalities; closed reduction which includes intermaxillary fixation, open reductin and endoscopic reduction are commonly used. Many factors have to be assessed in the treatment choice. These are; patient age, general condition, bony structure, dental status, characterization of fracture, location and presence of infection. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyse and compare the epidemiology and complications of surgical and conservative treatments for unilateral mandibular condylar fractures in both adult and pediatric patients in the light of current literature, over a period of eleven years.